go around the table

USAGE SUMMARY

'go around the table' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the process of passing something clockwise around a group of people. For example, "At the meeting, each person had to go around the table to report their progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

And so you go around the table.

The New York Times

Now go around the table clockwise.

The New York Times - Books

Let's go around the table, shall we?

The New Yorker

Then go around the table until one person is stumped.

The Washington Post

Now I literally go around the table and say, "You haven't said anything.

The New York Times

7 30 At dinner, we go around the table and talk about our days.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

We went around the table for introductions.

The New York Times

They went around the table.

The New York Times

A murmur went around the table.

The New York Times

"A silent snort went around the table," she writes.

The New York Times - Books

They went around the table one by one, offering advice.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate "go around the table" when you want to gather individual opinions or updates from each participant in a structured manner.

Common error

Avoid using "go around the table" to describe non-sequential actions. This phrase implies an ordered progression, so it's inappropriate if the actions are random or simultaneous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go around the table" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a structured, sequential process where each person at a table or in a group contributes in turn. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go around the table" is a commonly used and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe a sequential process where each person in a group is given a chance to contribute. As validated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, including formal meetings, informal discussions, and media reporting. Its primary function is to ensure inclusivity and facilitate organized participation. While versatile, it should be used in contexts where a sequential contribution is intended, and alternatives like ""hear from everyone"" may be considered for broader applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give everyone a chance to speak

Highlights the equitable distribution of speaking opportunities.

take turns speaking

Focuses specifically on the act of speaking in sequence, rather than any other action.

rotate through the group

Highlights the cyclical nature of the process, implying a return to the starting point.

follow a round-robin approach

Uses a specific sports-related term to describe sequential participation.

address each person in turn

Emphasizes direct communication and individual attention.

proceed in a circular fashion

Emphasizes the geometry of the order, rather than the content of the participation.

poll each participant

Implies gathering input or opinions from everyone present.

hear from everyone present

Focuses on collecting feedback or updates from all individuals.

get input from each member

Specifically refers to acquiring contributions or ideas.

distribute sequentially

Focuses on the act of distributing something among the people involved.

FAQs

How can I use "go around the table" in a sentence?

You can use "go around the table" to describe a structured way of gathering information or opinions, as in, "Let's "go around the table" and have each person share their thoughts on the proposal".

What does "go around the table" mean in a meeting context?

In a meeting, "go around the table" typically means that each person present will be given an opportunity to speak or contribute in turn. This ensures that everyone's voice is heard and that no one dominates the conversation.

What can I say instead of "go around the table" to encourage participation?

Alternatives include "let's "hear from everyone"", "let's "get input from each member"", or "let's "give everyone a chance to speak"".

Is "going around the table" the same as "go around the table"?

"Going around the table" is simply the continuous (-ing) form of ""go around the table"", implying the action is currently in progress, while "go around the table" suggests an action to be taken or a general practice.